How to Fix Basic Issues with a Nintendo Wii U

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will show you how to fix basic issues with the Nintendo Wii U.

2. Manage Profiles on Your Nintendo Wii U

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

3. Restart

  1. Press and hold the Power Button on the front of the device until the Wii U powers off.
Wii U controller with power button highlighted.
  1. If your Wii U does not power off, unplug the power cable from the wall outlet, wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in.

4. Resolve Sound Issues for Nintendo Wii U

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

5. Gamepad Not Working

Before beginning to troubleshoot this issue, ensure there are no other Wii U consoles or Wii U GamePads currently powered on in your household.

  1. Ensure that the Wii U GamePad is charged.
Wii u diagram showing how to plug in the ac adapter
  1. If you have not already done so, attempt to sync the Wii U GamePad.
  2. Reset and Sync the Wii U GamePad:
  3. Unplug the power cord from the console, and let it sit for at least 30 seconds.
  4. Ensure the Wii U console is placed to minimize interference. It is best if the Wii U console is out in the open. Ensure that the Wii U console is not:
  5. Behind a TV
  6. Near an aquarium or other large container of water
  7. Placed in or under a metal object
  8. Pressed against a large amount of wires and cords
  9. Within three to four feet of another wireless device, such as a wireless speaker system or a wireless access point
  10. Check for possible sources of interference and turn them off. Interference can be caused by devices like the following:
  11. Wireless devices, such as cell phones and tablets
  12. Wireless headsets not designed to work with the Wii U
  13. Microwaves
  14. Wireless speaker systems
  15. Cordless phones
  16. Cell Phones
  17. In most cases, it will be enough to move these devices three to four feet away from the Wii U Console and Wii U GamePad; however, if you continue to experience this issue, please power these devices off while using the Wii U.
  18. Reset the Wii U GamePad:
  19. If the Wii U GamePad is currently turned off, press the Power Button once to turn it on.
Wii u diagram showing the power button
  1. Press and hold down the Wii U GamePad Power Button until the Wii U GamePad turns off.
  2. Wait 15 seconds.
  3. Press the Power Button once to turn the Wii U GamePad on.
  4. Plug the console back in, turn it on, and attempt to sync the Wii U GamePad again using the next steps.

6. Syncing the Gamepad

  1. Power up the Gamepad, Wii U, and television.
  2. Press the sync button on the Wii U game console.
Nintendo wii u sync button


  1. On the Gamepad, use the stylus to press the sync button on the back.
Using the wii u stylus to press the sync button

  1.  
  2. On the Wii U Gamepad, tap the symbols in the order they appear on the television.
Wii u gamepad symbols for syncing

7. What's next?

8. Perform a System Update

The length of time it takes to perform a system update varies depending on the speed of the Internet connection used.

  1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
Main menu with system settings icon highlighted
  1. Use the Left Stick and scroll to the System Update icon and press the A Button.
System Update screen
  1. Select Update to connect to the Internet and begin the update process.

9. What's next?

10. Perform a System Update

The length of time it takes to perform a system update varies depending on the speed of the Internet connection used.

  1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
Main menu with system settings icon highlighted
  1. Use the Left Stick and scroll to the System Update icon and press the A Button.
System Update screen
  1. Select Update to connect to the Internet and begin the update process.

11. Cleaning Game Discs

  1. Dampen a clean, soft, cotton cloth with water.
  2. Use straight strokes and wipe the disc (non-labeled side) from the inside rim to the outside rim.
Diagram showing the correct way to clean a disc is from center to edge
  1. Using a dry part of the cloth, repeat step 2 to dry the disc.
  2. After all of the water is gone, let the disc sit for at least two minutes to completely dry before inserting it into the Wii U console.
  3. Do not use solvents such as: benzine, window cleaner, paint thinner, anti-static aerosol spray or abrasive cleaners to clean your disc.
  4. Do not use machines designed to clean discs or remove scratches. These types of devices have been known to damage the surface of the disc.
  5. After cleaning, be sure to store your games properly. Storing games in cases other than the ones they came in, or storing them outside their cases, may damage the disc.

12. What's next?